There are many ways to get to Guilin. Good air, train and bus services are available from most part of China and abroad. The most convenient to get around for tourists is to take a tour but taxis are plentiful and the city is flat so bicycle is also an option.
AirFlying is the most convenient way to come to Guilin. There are many domestic airlines servicing Guilin from many part of China. Direct flights to & from Japan, Korea, Macau and Thailand are also available.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is 30 kilometers west of the city (about a 40 minute taxi ride). Most large hotels have shuttles available (with prior notice). Other airport shuttles cost RMB20 and operate without a fixed schedule. A taxi into the city will cost around RMB80-RMB100. A shuttle bus is available for departing passengers leaving from the CAAC Shanghai Road office (at Minzhu Road) for the airport.
Train
China's vast train system is focused on serving its large population who fully understand how the train network operates and of course, speak Chinese. Traveling by train is certainly achievable and can be a great way to get to know the people, the culture and to see the country side at a more leisurely pace. It is also a much cheaper means of transport that traveling by air.
Bus
Intercity express coaches arrive and depart from the intercity station. The coach network in China is very good. Most routes from major cities are serviced by new long distance coaches that are comfortable and have seatbelts fitted to the coaches. Tickets are obtained from the bus station.
Most short range buses that service nearby towns like Yangshuo and Xing'an leave from the old railway station in the west. These buses should be inexpensive (RMB10-20 to Yangshuo)
Taxi or Bike
Taxis are relatively inexpensive compared to other cities. Bicycles can be rented by the day at hotels throughout Guilin (RMB15-20) and at many cafes and hostels in Yangshuo (RMB10)